What does a Physician do?
Published 4 min read
A physician is a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats diseases and injuries.
Physician job duties include:
- Examines patients and takes their medical histories
- Orders and interprets diagnostic tests
- Makes diagnoses based on patients’ symptoms and test results
- Develops treatment plans for patients
- Prescribes medication and other treatments
- Monitors patients’ progress and adjusts treatments as necessary
- Provides guidance to patients and their families on how to manage illnesses
- Educates patients about preventive measures they can take to avoid illness
- Advocates for patients’ health and well-being
Physician Job Requirements
In order to become a physician, one must first complete an undergraduate degree and then attend medical school for four years. After medical school, physicians must complete a residency program, which lasts anywhere from three to eight years depending on the specialty. Physicians must also be licensed in the state in which they practice. Some states require physicians to pass a written and/or oral exam in order to be licensed. Physicians must also stay up-to-date on their knowledge by completing continuing medical education credits every year.
Physician Skills
- Analytical skills
- Communication skills
- Detail oriented
- Empathy
- Interpersonal skills
- Leadership skills
- Medical knowledge
- Organizational skills
- Patience
- Problem solving skills
- Research skills
- Writing skills
Related: Top Physician Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Physician
There are many steps to becoming a physician. The first step is completing an accredited undergraduate degree. The second step is taking the MCAT exam. The third step is applying to and attending medical school. The fourth step is completing a residency program. The fifth and final step is passing the licensure exam.
The first step in becoming a physician is completing an accredited undergraduate degree. A student must complete an accredited four-year undergraduate degree before they can apply to medical school. During their undergraduate studies, students should take courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and math. These courses will prepare students for the MCAT exam, which is required for admission into medical school.
The second step in becoming a physician is taking the MCAT exam. The MCAT is a standardized test that measures a student’s knowledge of the basic sciences and their ability to apply that knowledge to problems in medicine. Students who score well on the MCAT exam are more likely to be accepted into medical school.
The third step in becoming a physician is applying to and attending medical school. Medical school typically lasts four years and provides students with the opportunity to learn about the various specialties within medicine. During medical school, students also complete rotations in different medical specialties, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in different areas of medicine.
The fourth step in becoming a physician is completing a residency program. A residency program lasts anywhere from three to seven years and allows physicians to receive training in their chosen specialty. After completing a residency program, physicians must pass a licensure exam before they can practice medicine independently.
The fifth and final step in becoming a physician is passing the licensure exam. The licensure exam varies from state to state but generally requires physicians to demonstrate their knowledge of medicine and their ability to provide safe and effective patient care. Once physicians pass the licensure exam, they are able to practice medicine independently in the United States.
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